Intermediate Topic 1075 of 1102 Biochemistry, Environment & Industry

Ammonia Industry

Made via Haber process for fertilizers and chemicals.

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In-depth explanation of Ammonia Industry

The Haber-Bosch process synthesises ammonia directly from nitrogen and hydrogen over an iron catalyst at high pressure, typically 150 to 300 bar, and at about 400 to 500 C. Hydrogen is usually obtained from steam reforming of natural gas. Around 180 million tonnes of ammonia are produced each year, and roughly 80 percent of it goes into fertilisers such as urea and ammonium nitrate. Haber-Bosch consumes about 1 to 2 percent of global energy and generates significant CO2. Green ammonia made from renewable hydrogen and nitrogen is a low-carbon alternative.

Going deeper: Ammonia Industry

Key ideas: Haber-Bosch: N2 plus 3H2 gives 2NH3, delta H about minus 92 kJ per mole, iron catalyst with promoters (K2O, Al2O3), 400 to 450 C, 150 to 250 atm, about 15 percent per pass yield, with unreacted gas recycled and ammonia liquefied. Hydrogen comes from steam reforming of methane. Produces roughly 180 million tonnes a year, mostly for fertilizer.

Common mistakes and connections: Mistake: expecting low temperature to be best; equilibrium favors it but rate is too slow, so a compromise is used. Catalyst does not change yield. Consumes about 1 to 2 percent of world energy. Links to Le Chatelier, nitrogen fixation and fertilizer production.

Visualization of Ammonia Industry

Ammonia synthesis N2 + 3H2 to 2NH3 is exothermic, so equilibrium yield falls as temperature rises, forcing a compromise at 400 to 500 C with high pressure. The interactive lesson shows this as a live animation or chart.

Worked example and use case

Ammonia from the Haber process supplies the nitrogen in fertilisers that feed a large share of the world's population.

Frequently asked questions about Ammonia Industry

What is Ammonia Industry?

Made via Haber process for fertilizers and chemicals.

Is Ammonia Industry a beginner, intermediate or advanced topic?

Ammonia Industry is a intermediate topic in Biochemistry, Environment & Industry. It builds on the vocabulary of beginner topics in this area.

What should I learn before Ammonia Industry?

Study these earlier topics in Biochemistry, Environment & Industry first: Natural Gas, Coal, Sulfuric Acid Industry.

What comes after Ammonia Industry?

The next topics in Biochemistry, Environment & Industry are Chlorine Industry and Paper Industry.

Can I practise Ammonia Industry with quizzes?

Yes. The interactive lesson includes a self-check question on Ammonia Industry, and the Biochemistry, Environment & Industry quiz draws on every topic in this area.

Where Ammonia Industry fits in Biochemistry, Environment & Industry

Ammonia Industry is topic 100 of 127 in Biochemistry, Environment & Industry.